EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: O'Driscoll returns to the Gabba, scene of his 2001 Wallaby-slaying and legendary Lions try

Brian O'Driscoll completed his preparations for the series opener against the Wallabies, then visited the Gabba where he became an instant Lions sensation in 2001.

Although O’Driscoll had already made a
stunning impression at Test level with a hat-trick against France in
Paris, his long-range, solo strike at the home of Queensland cricket was
the feat which really made his name and elevated him into the global rugby pantheon.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Sportsmail's Chris Foy returns to the scene of O'Driscoll's famous Aussie-slaying with the man himself...

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Breaking through: Brian O'Driscoll weaves through the Aussie defence on his way to scoring a memorable try at the Gabba in 2001

In the clear: O'Driscoll leaves the Gold shirts trailing as he takes the Lions to victory in 2001

It happened just after half-time. A run
down the left flank by Iain Balshaw had given the Lions a strong
attacking platform, but what came next was startling to behold.

Receiving a pass from Jonny Wilkinson
near halfway, O’Driscoll accelerated and jinked between two defenders,
looked around for support as he burst clear and, realising he was alone,
simply swerved around a flailing Matt Burke and raced away to the
posts.

His individual brilliance broke Australia’s resolve and the Lions went on to win 29-13.

Since then, the Irishman has been involved in a further five Tests in the famous red shirt and they have all ended in defeat.

No wonder he rates that game as his finest hour with the Lions.

‘That is the only Test match I have
won in six with the Lions and it was a great day, but it is time to add
to it now,’ said O’Driscoll. ‘I don’t want to be someone who has a lot
of (Lions) appearances, but ultimately hasn’t won a series.’

What struck everyone was the scale of
the support for the tourists that night — the fabled ‘sea of red’
mentioned countless times on this tour.

The memory is still vivid.

‘Oddly, we elected to warm up indoors
that day, so when we did run out, it was all the bigger a surprise,’ he
added. ‘It gave us an extra pep in our step — you feel like having the
game of your life. So they have a big role to play on this tour.’

Tomorrow night, at Brisbane’s more contemporary sporting arena – just a couple of miles away – O’Driscoll will hope to play a significant role in another Lions triumph. But as he looked out over the rain-drenched Gabba, it took him back to a glorious occasion which has become synonymous with his stellar career.

Returning hero: O'Driscoll surveys the scene of his famous moment at the Gabba in Brisbane